GOVERNMENT ADVANCES PLANS TO TARMAC NEBBI–PAIDHA–ZOMBO–VURRA ROAD

 By Okirya Moris @AfricaPamoja-UG

The State Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria, says preparations are underway to implement President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 2026 campaign pledge to tarmac the Nebbi–Goli–Paidha–Zombo–Warr–Vurra Customs Road.

Hon.Alion also promised 20 computer laptops for the secondary schools in Westnile Region. 

Minister of Works, Hon. Fred Byamukama, said the road design is expected to be completed within four weeks. He explained that this will be followed by assessments of affected people and property, valuation and subsequent compensation processes.

The valuation exercise is expected to be completed by February next year, paving the way for further implementation of the project. Engineers have also been advised to continue maintaining the existing road as preparations for tarmacking continue.

However, the latest government assurances have attracted scepticism from some local leaders.

Hon. Bolingo Francis, District Councillor representing Athuma Subcounty, questioned the repeated government promises concerning the road, saying residents have previously received similar assurances.

In a separate interview, former Ora County Member of Parliament Hon. Biyika Lawrence Songa highlighted his previous parliamentary advocacy on Zombo’s infrastructure challenges. 

Songa said his years in Parliament were focused on advancing Zombo District’s long-standing demand for better roads, bridges and climate-resilient infrastructure.

He said he used parliamentary oversight, engagement with government ministries and collaboration with development partners to ensure that Zombo’s infrastructure challenges received national attention.

The government has stated that the road project is expected to be completed before 2028, in line with the presidential commitment.